Mt. Hood Community College President Dr. Lisa Skari Honored with Prestigious Howard Cherry Award

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) President Dr. Lisa Skari was honored with the Howard Cherry Award for community college administrator during the Howard Cherry Awards Banquet at the Oregon Community College Association's (OCCA) Annual Conference on Nov. 7.

The Howard Cherry Award, named after Dr. Howard Cherry—a passionate advocate for education and a founding member of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)—recognizes exceptional leaders who make a meaningful impact on Oregon’s community colleges.

Dr. Skari's leadership and dedication to advancing education have significantly benefited MHCC and the broader community college network in Oregon. Her contributions exemplify the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and service that the award seeks to celebrate.

The event was attended by members of Dr. Skari's team at MHCC, the MHCC Board of Education, the OCCA, the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), and other key stakeholders. Notable attendees included State Senator Michael Dembrow, recipient of this year’s Howard Cherry Award for community college advocate, and Representative Ricki Ruiz, alongside representatives from community colleges across Oregon.

"This award reflects the collective efforts of our team and our partners, who are committed to fostering access to higher education in Oregon," said Dr. Skari.

The MHCC community congratulates Dr. Skari on this well-deserved recognition and reaffirms its commitment to empowering students and shaping the future of community college education.